statement676

Item 3 Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography

11 March 2015

Australia welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

Child exploitation and abuse are abhorrent and unconscionable.

Australia remains firmly committed to ensuring the protection of all children from such egregious human rights abuses. In line with the findings of the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Australia recognises that girls can be particularly vulnerable to these forms of abuse.

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for progressing and building momentum to prevent and address violence against children in all contexts. The Special Rapporteur’s report details increased vulnerabilities and new risk factors, including the sale and sexual exploitation of children facilitated through new technologies. It is important that the international community including states, civil-society and the private sector work together to address this issue.

Australia will continue to work with other countries, including in partnerships with NGO’s, to tackle issues of child trafficking, organ trading and child labour, which can be facilitated by the internet. Australia is committed to eliminating these practices through the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015-2019.

Australia would welcome the Special Rapporteur’s comment on good examples at both the national and international level on educating children of the risks associated with social media and communication technologies.